Steven Yang (he/him) M.S.Ed, RCC
BA, M.S.Ed, Registered Clinical Counsellor,
Therapy Formats: Virtual & In-Person
I speak English and Mandarin
Accepting New Clients
Specialize in Adolescents and Young Adults Counselling
-
My mission is to establish a genuine and welcoming therapeutic environment where clients can feel the warmth of unconditional care and affirmations. Each client is unique in their experiences, values, and backgrounds, and these factors can present intricate yet complex intersections with your mental health. I aim to tailor my services to your unique story and help you navigate life's complex web.
-
Practicing from the lens of a person-centered approach. I believe in each client's fundamental ability to grow and become the best version of themselves. My goal is to foster the nurturing conditions that best support you on your journey, such as developing and maintaining genuineness within the therapeutic relationship and establishing a safe environment where clients feel cared for. I believe in establishing a collaborative relationship with my clients since the clients themselves are the ones who know them best. I aim to tailor my services to the growing needs of my clients, staying receptive and observant of any feedback and changing needs.
I also practice through the lens of family systems therapy, which focuses on evaluating the impact that networks of relationships, such as the immediate family, can have on one's emotional well-being. I recognize the diverse experiences of family dynamics among different cultures, and I hope to help you navigate your unique story by unfolding significant past events within your family history.
As a first-generation immigrant, I understand the courage it takes to overcome certain cultural/societal stigmas to receive therapy. This first step is tremendous, and I hope to help you on this journey by instilling hope and optimism in your story. I also aim to help you develop coping strategies and healthy habits, especially positive self-talk and self-affirmation, to prepare you to become self-sufficient.
-
At age 12, I immigrated to Canada with my mother while my father stayed in China to work and provide for the family. This drastic transition during such a significant developmental stage of my life, alongside the single-parent family dynamic, led to the onset of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The transition into a new life is overwhelming, with the pressures of adjusting to a new school, learning a new language, and making friends completely smothering me. Having been brought up in a family environment that holds traditional Chinese values, mental health was taboo and completely disregarded. As a result, I spent a large portion of my life presenting a version of myself that wasn't true to my loved ones because I did not want to be seen as "weird" or "weak" with my OCD tendencies. The gradual yet arduous acculturation process led to a change in my beliefs about mental health support, and I was able to take active steps in my recovery.
My disheartening journey with mental health showed me that those from cultures, families, or identities that hold stigmatizations toward mental health need accessible support and resources, especially appropriate ones that understand their stories. I am passionate about advocating and providing for those who are unseen in their battles against mental health conditions. I see myself in the adolescents' battles with mental health and hope to offer support that was never there for me.
My experience led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Vanderbilt University and a Master's degree in Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania. My unique experience of living and learning in China, Canada, and the United States has allowed me to not only gain a complex worldview encompassing individualistic and collectivist views but also interact and learn from individuals from all over the world. I prioritize culture's impact on one's life and plan to use my experiences to understand and support yours.
-
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Academic Pressure
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Grief and loss
• Mindfulness
• Family conflicts
• Acculturation
• Cultural Stigmas
• Relationship Issues
-
Psychotherapy and therapeutic coaching for individuals and couples.
Individual session - 50 min: $150
Couples session - 50 min: $175
Offers Sliding Scale
Accepts ICBC, CVAP, and Extended Health Coverage (for clients in BC)
